This blog is about Paul's induction into his high school's Hall of Fame this past weekend in Pueblo, Colorado. Let me start out by saying that before this weekend I knew VERY little about this type of event and I really didn't know what to expect. However, I did know a lot about Paul's high school career from his stories over the years and let's just say it was an "interesting" time for him. Had you told him 23 years ago that he would be inducted into East High's Hall of Fame, he would not have believed you.
When Paul received the letter at the end of February letting him know that he was receiving the "Golden Eagle Award," I felt like I could understand just how much this award would mean to him. And then when we saw the invitation that they sent out and the newspaper article in The Pueblo Chieftain, I realized just what an honor this was going to be.
Needless to say, I was blown away by the manner in which Pueblo East High School Alumni Foundation conducted its Hall of Fame day events and I could never have imagined just how meaningful and special it would be.
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I thought it would be fun to put a couple pictures on here of Paul's graduation day in 1988.
And here he is with his beloved truck (that he wishes he still had!)
I can't even imagine what went through Paul's mind when we drove up to the school on Friday morning and saw this sign! Again, I KNOW that when Paul was going through high school he never dreamed he would one day drive up and see his name displayed like this.
First we attended an all school assembly in the morning. I only had my small camera and since the lighting is always tricky in an auditorium, this is the best I could do. At least it gives you an idea. The alumni foundation had put together a really neat program for the students/faculty/alumni to attend including the color guard, choir, jazz band, and of course the induction ceremony itself. There were three inductees this year...two for career achievement and one for service.
The inductees had been asked to speak for a few minutes and since I almost never get to hear Paul do that I was very anxious to see what he had to say. Can I just say that I was blown away by what Paul said to the student body, the heartfelt way in which he delivered it, and the humility that resonated throughout?!?!! My feelings were echoed by so many of the alumni, administrators and faculty in attendance as they took the time to come up afterwards and tell Paul just how much his speech was "exactly what their students needed to hear." They were so grateful for the words he had to say and the way he was humble enough to be very personal about overcoming obstacles. I also loved the humor he was able to add, as only he can do! It was a thrill for me to be there in person!! (By the way, there is a video of the entire ceremony and I CAN be bought off :-)
The eagle trophy is very classy as was everything about the event that they put together! Col. Chostner made it very clear how stringent the process is for getting into East's Hall of Fame. They are very set on only inducting two alumni per year, you have to be at least 40 years of age to get in, and they are VERY SERIOUS about their selection process.
A very familiar sight to Paul from "back in the day".
Front lobby of the school! Let's hear it for the Golden Eagle Award!! :-)
I feel extremely fortunate that it worked out for me to go!! A thousand thanks to a certain teenager who makes the best stand-in mom in my absence!!
After the morning's induction ceremony there was a lovely reception held in the media center. East High has a commercial kitchen and the students that take those classes made all the finger foods for the occasion. Everything was delicious and beautifully displayed.
At the reception Paul got to reconnect with some familiar faces from 25 years ago. He really had to think back to pull out some of the memories!
Mr. Vallejo was the Superintendent of Schools back when Paul was in school and his signature is on Paul's high school diploma!
Cathy Maloney worked in the athletic office during the time Paul was at East and she was responsible for putting together all the wonderful events surrounding the Hall of Fame inductions. She thought of EVERYTHING!!
Jeff Falletta was on the Eagles football team and Paul had always admired him. It was nice for them to be able to reconnect. We seriously felt like we were making lifetime friends with these wonderful people who were so welcoming!
Paul talking to the current East High principal, Alan Nelms.
After the reception, Paul and I spent time with a few Denver cousins who were so kind to make the trip down to attend the assembly. We had a great time driving around Pueblo visiting old "haunts" and bringing up many memories. Here's a picture of three lovely ladies...second cousins...Avery, Avry, and Kayla. They were very sweet to spend the day with us.
After the reception, Paul and I spent time with a few Denver cousins who were so kind to make the trip down to attend the assembly. We had a great time driving around Pueblo visiting old "haunts" and bringing up many memories. Here's a picture of three lovely ladies...second cousins...Avery, Avry, and Kayla. They were very sweet to spend the day with us.
(There are more pictures on FB of Tom, Kevin, and the girls.)
That evening there was a lovely dinner to cap off the day. More kind words were said to the inductees and it definitely felt like we were now part of the East High family. It's a tight knit group and they just made us feel so welcome and very special.
The first picture is the three inductees with the current superintendent. The dinner was held in a refurbished church that was built in 1886.
The banquet program below has a short biography on every inductee since they started the Hall of Fame. Paul's bio will now be a permanent part of the program for every Golden Eagle Award banquet from here on out!
Thank you for letting me share our day with you. Being there to experience it in person was absolutely incredible. Congratulations to my very deserving husband on this really neat honor!! I love you!!
